Jupiter's Popina

Jupiter's WHAT!?  

A popina is an ancient Roman wine bar, and the kids created a (kid version) popina for our dinner tonight as we conclude our unit on ancient Rome (we left out the lewd behaviors and crime associated with popinas).  These sorts of activities have made history enjoyable and enriching this year as I've homeschooled William and Vera.  The Story of the World has been a lot of fun to work through (thanks to the activity book with fun ideas, map work, and books lists for further reading (THANKS, Library, for being amazing at putting so many books on hold for me!!! for free!!!)).

 The kids prepared lentil soup, fruit, bread, olives, and grape juice for our dinner.  William made a menu, and we pretended to purchase our dinner with "Roman" coins.

 Dinner was delicious, fun, and surprisingly filling.  We even listened to ancient Greek music as we ate... and since Greece and Rome were neighbors who fought and shared ideas, we figured that was close enough (Alexa, our new music listening tool, couldn't find ancient Roman music).

After dinner, Justin and the older two kids engaged in some good ole gambling, a common pastime in Roman popinas.  The kids had fun learning blackjack, and Vera burst into giggles every time she got 21 points even.  They were upset when Daddy cleared up that they weren't betting real money... until they realized that the house had won and they actually would have owed; then they were thankful.

Even though it is officially Summer break in our town, one thing about homeschooling is that our studies and learning will continue throughout the summer... just a lighter load.  But I'm reflecting back over the school year, and I believe homeschooling has been a blessing for us this year.  The decision to homeschool was a terrifying one to make!  I wrestled with what would be best for our kids for many months, but once we decided to take the plunge and teach William 3rd grade and Vera 1st at home, it was like a total liberation.  Fresh air.  Freedom.  It isn't all fun and popinas, but it has been a refreshing change for us.  There are days when William and Vera miss the school environment with all the high energy and loads of kids, and there are days when I'm really really tired, but overall I've loved this time with them.  I've loved being emersed in my children's learning.  I've loved watching them apply self-discipline to finish their work.  They've learned that we can't always rely on a competitive environment to get us moving.  I've loved the freedom to schedule our days how I see fit and to educate the way that works for these kids.  I've been thankful that they have had time to just play and have fun.  I've LOVED pouring love and encouragement and challenges into them.  I've been impressed with how well William and Vera have gotten along.

The most difficult thing about homeschooling for me is that I'm often nervous that I'm not doing enough.  I get worried that I'm not covering enough information or that I'm leaving some big hole in my kids' education.  But then again, that is part of what makes me try to do my very best, and in review of this year, I think we've done just fine (Also, I'm thankful for curriculums that cover the necessary information!).  Being a stay-at-home mom who homeschools has also been rather isolating, which is why I'm really excited about a group I'm putting together for next year of local homeschool families.  I'll plan on teaching art and the other parents will take turns teaching science or extra-curricular lessons, and of course, there will be some good play time too.  This has been a challenging year for me in many ways, but I've never regretted teaching William and Vera at home this year.  Come 5th grade or middle school we may revisit a more traditional "school" environment, but for now I'm excited to continue their education at home... after all, I've only just gotten my feet wet.